World Food Programme stabilizes sand dunes to Combat Desertification in Madagascar

The World Food Programme (WFP) is stabilizing sand dunes in southern Madagascar to protect farmland and local livelihoods from extreme weather and desertification.

In the Faux Cap region, intense winds and frequent droughts have historically created sand dunes that bury crops and coastal villages. These environmental changes have disrupted the farming and fishing activities that residents have relied on for centuries. To counter this, the WFP and local authorities have planted spiny sisal and Australian pines to create green barriers.

These plants anchor the sand, block destructive winds, and help nourish the soil. The initiative has successfully stabilized more than 36,000 hectares of dunes across southern Madagascar since 2017. Local residents report that these barriers have allowed livestock to return to previously barren areas and enabled farmers to cultivate vegetables like cassava and beans again. Beyond planting, the WFP and local authorities built a meteorological centre in Faux Cap to provide early warnings about extreme weather to farmers and fishermen.

The project also includes anticipatory actions to address food insecurity, which affects an estimated 3.7 million people across the island nation. The WFP provides cash assistance to families so they can prepare for droughts before they peak. For example, some residents used this support to buy livestock and pay for school fees. The organization plans to expand these efforts, including fish farming and cactus cultivation, provided that additional funding becomes available.